What inspired you to get into medicine?
I wanted to help people. I have always been interested in biology and I actually struggled trying to decide if I wanted to be a veterinarian or medical doctor. What made the decision for me was that I wanted to be able to talk to and connect with my patients. However, having a hobby farm still fulfills my passion of caring for animals.
What have you enjoyed most about your career?
I have enjoyed providing care for the full spectrum of patients. What happens is I see a mother who is pregnant and deliver her baby, then provide care for the baby, and pretty soon I'm seeing the rest of the family, including her husband, siblings, parents, grandparents, and aunts and uncles. It really blossoms into a full spectrum of family care and that part is very fulfilling to me.
What can your obstetrics patients expect from you as a provider?
I will be there through every milestone, including the planning stage, pregnancy, delivery, postnatal care, and beyond. I make it a high priority to come in for my own deliveries. I delivered 50-70 babies per year in Willmar and have a passion for obstetrics and look forward to providing high quality care to my patients.
What do you like to do in your downtime?
I sing in the church choir and help accompany various groups on the piano and flute. I also like to volunteer in 4-H at the county fair and help my youngest son compete at various rabbit shows around the state. Other interests include playing volleyball, working in my flower gardens, and traveling to national parks.
What is one interesting, unique or fun thing that most people may not know about you?
I rode a bull in New Zealand and climbed Ayer’s Rock in Australia.
